Chief Judge urges closer Bar, Bench ties

Unveils lawyers’ changing room
Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade has urged lawyers to maintain the highest level of diligence and integrity in the discharge of their professional duties.

Justice Atilade made the call while unveiling the Lawyers’ Changing Room renovated for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch by the Lagos State Judiciary.

She noted that both the Bar and Bench must work together to deliver justice to the populace, adding that a symbiotic relationship between the two arms of the justice sector is imperative if the wheel of justice is to run smoothly.

Her words: “It gives me great pleasure to have done this (renovation) to further cement the cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench in Lagos State.”

Justice Atilade then took a guided tour of the facility and also commissioned the state-of-the-art coffee-making machine donated to the branch by Patoreal Limited.

Speaking earlier, NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Martin Ogunleye commended Justice Atilade for fostering excellent relationship with the Bar. He noted that the Lagos Chief Judge had earlier renovated the foyer used by the branch for its monthly meetings and other activities into a world-class facility but has now topped it with a befitting Changing Room for Lagos lawyers.

“My Lord is a shining example of how the Bench can support the Bar to drive reform and engender progress. We continue to receive tremendous support from Your Lordship on all fronts for which we are very grateful,” Mr. Ogunleye said.

In his vote of thanks, the branch secretary, Mr. Stephen Obajaja stated that the new Changing Room would impact the lifestyle of lawyers, adding that it would positively reflect on lawyers’ work-life balance. He thanked Justice Atilade and his management team “for bequeathing this great edifice to Lagos lawyers and posterity.”

Among those who accompanied Justice Atilade to the unveiling ceremony are Justice O. O. Oke, Justice Y. Idowu; Chief Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Ogundare; Deputy Chief Registrar (Legal), Mrs. Femi Segun, and Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration), Mrs. S. Solebo.

The event was also attended by a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa II Constituency, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; the Executive Committee members of the branch and many Bar leaders including the immediate past branch chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka; Mr. Mbanugo Udenze, and Mrs. Tolani Edu-Adeola.